Students Need to Be Aware of Date Rape Drugs

With high school and college parties happening everywhere around the country and news stories about sexual assaults in the media, it’s frightening to imagine the data on date rape and drugs. So, prior to going to a party, club, show or allowing your child to go, study the evidence here and identify how to stay prepared.

What Are Date Rape Drugs?

The term “date rape” doesn’t at all times imply it’s somebody you’re dating, it could be an associate or stranger from your English class. Date rape drugs are frequently used in sexual assault situations. They have no color, odor, or taste, so you can’t tell if you are being drugged. These drugs can make you feeble, disorganized, and can even cause you to faint — so that you cannot consent to intercourse. This happens to both men and women

They’ve also been coined the term “Club Drugs” because they also tend to be utilized at clubs, concerts, and raves.

Most Common Date Rape Drugs

Any substance that makes you feel “out of it” and incapable to speak plainly or as your regular self is more than likely one of these drugs. Many of these drugs are not legal, with the exception of alcohol, which is the most common date rape drug.

Rohypnol

Gamma hydroxybutyric (GHB)

Ketamine

Alcohol intoxication

Ecstasy

How to Protect Yourself

These are some very simple habits to make sure that you will not become prey to sexual assault.

Don’t take drinks from anybody you don’t trust with your life (i.e. your BBF since third grade will give you a safe drink)

Constantly have your drink with you

Be mindful of your environment, consume plenty of water to stay sober

Have a sober pal with you to keep you safe (and vice versa)

Skip the open punch bowl or Gatorade cooler full of “jungle juice”

If somebody suggests to grab or buy you a drink, don’t let them go alone (a good excuse is “I want to see what drinks they’ve got here “)

If you have an identified substance misuse issue, don’t take any pills given to you

If you think you’ve been drugged and raped, instantly call the police or a reliable friend or family member to deliver you to the emergency room. Contact law enforcement from the hospital. They will take samples of urine to test for medications and your garments for DNA samples. Therapists are a supportive place to deal with the emotional state you’re in to express and work through during the healing process.